FREE STATE: Two accused, Andile Nini (32) and Olwethu Bonga (31), who were chased and arrested by residents of Blomanda location in Bloemfontein on 15 February 2023, have been found guilty and sentenced by the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.

Members of the local K9 unit had reacted to information about a vehicle with two occupants traveling on the N6 from Eastern Cape transporting abalone. A vehicle fitting the description of suspects' vehicle was spotted. Upon realising that they had been cornered, suspects refused to stop. A police chase ended in Blomanda where suspects tried to escape on foot. Their luck ran out when members of the community joined the chase and arrested both suspects. Their vehicle was searched and abalone valued at R197 000 recovered.

The accused had been incarcerated since their arrest after Serious Organised Crime Investigation detectives successfully opposed their bail. On Friday, 8 November 2024, the accused were each sentenced to R20 000 or two years imprisonment half of which is suspended for five years for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998; four years imprisonment suspended for five years for defeating the administration of justice,  driving a vehicle with false registration, and reckless and negligent driving; and R20 000 or two years imprisonment for contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 12 of 1998.

Enquiries: Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli 

079 693 7746